Inviting From Every Angle

I had a college professor who used to talk on and on about intertextuality and how that concept could be applied to life. According to him, and probably Jean-Paul Sartre, every waking second impacts and influences our future in one form or another.

It makes sense when you think about it. And a perfect example of it is this lovely four bedroom, 4½-bath home in Talis Park. Completed last year, it represents the tastes of style of its owners, Rafael and Lillian Guaty, who spent years working and living in Tokyo and Hong Kong.

If you’re looking for a dramatic entrance, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something more engaging than the one at this 4,800-square-foot under air (6,000 total under roof) property built by Harwick Homes and designed by McHarris Planning & Design.

“When we got here we had just come from Asia,” says Mr. Guaty. “We lived there 11 years — and we lived in California in the interim for a little bit, with that Spanish style with the arches … we wanted to go to a more open concept with some traces of Asian. But the primary vision was for it to be open. And to bring the indoors out and the outdoors in.”

To accomplish their goal and create the perfect space, they enlisted the help of Mark Smith, president of luxury homebuilder Harwick Homes. Mr. Smith had started the design of a spec home with Joe McHarris of McHarris Planning & Design that made water a major feature viewable from the great room. When Mr. Guaty saw the plan, he suggested they move the water feature to make it a focal point from the foyer — and they were off to the races.

“When I saw that I basically said, ‘That has to be the centerpiece of the house,’” the homeowner says, adding, “I think we went through about 23 different versions of the (architectural) plan.”

And after what all parties enthusiastically call an enjoyable collaboration, the finished product is a gorgeous creation that subtly reminds the homeowners of their time in Asia.

Though the homeowners’ time in Southeast Asia is reflected throughout the home, perhaps it is best showcased in the master bath, which features an open-air shower and sculptural soaking tub.

In fact, perhaps nowhere is that more evident than in the master bath, where the Guatys wanted more of that in-and-out look that is so prevalent in the East.

“We have been to a lot of hotels and properties in Southeast Asia — Vietnam, Bali — and they all had a bathroom outside,” he says. “But we said, ‘How do we do that in Florida with the bugs?’ That’s where Mark came in and said, ‘We’ll come in and put up a screen.’ There’s trellis there that you can’t see with screen, so you feel the outside, but not a single bug gets through.”

And the glass doors are retractable into the wall, really giving a sense of being one with nature. There’s even a bamboo tree growing in the shower. A free-standing tub rests alongside those sliders, so when the doors are open, it’s as if you’re in the bath outdoors.

In addition, the Guatys knew they didn’t want a formal living room — they’d had them before in the majority of their 22 previous homes (correct, they moved a lot) and felt they were a waste of space.

“Nobody ever sits there,” Mr. Guaty says. In too many Florida homes, he adds, you walk in the front door and into the living room. “It may have a pool as a backdrop or it may not, but nobody ever sits there. We wanted to shift that focal point to the entry — the water feature with the palm trees and then the rest of the pool in the back.” “It’s a nice size foyer where you can greet people, but it maintains the privacy of your kitchen and family room and dining room,” says Mr. Smith. “And the outdoor living space is just really dramatic.”

The dramatic pool area features in-water palm trees that are not only stunning, but an entertaining distraction for the homeowners’ grandchildren. The water surrounding the trees is just 18 inches deep.

To take full advantage of seeing as much of the outside as possible from inside, they chose commercial floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for an unobstructed view of that pool area with its palm trees.

“I think this is the first time Harwick used them in a home,” says Mr. Guaty. “And to be honest with you, it’s one of those things where you kind of hold your breath. Because I know the look, but I didn’t want it to look like we’re coming into a 7-Eleven.

But they’re perfect. People walk in here and they have no idea they’re commercial.”

Another highlight that features clean lines is the contemporary wine cellar. Again utilizing a commercial-style glass door, the refrigerated room uses stainless steel racks, making it a veritable work of art.

And speaking of art, the interior design was handled completely by Mrs. Gauty and features a refined edit of spaces that allow perfectly for the couple’s Asian art pieces to be on display. It’s a lovely blend of watercolors that dance ideally with the outdoor area.

About Us

We bring extensive experience and history to the table in each project we undertake. As an advocate for our homeowners, we assist in making the best choices for both their estates and their bottom lines. It’s what we’ve specialized in for more than 25 years.

Pedro brings over 20 years of experience in the construction industry to Harwick Homes. Before starting at Harwick Homes, Pedro worked in customer service for Mitsubishi Oil Corporation in Japan for 10 years. He subsequently entered the construction industry as a painter and worked his way up to serve as the COO of a large painting, restoration and waterproofing company that handled projects from Tampa to West Palm Beach for the following 10 years. When he decided to settle down in Naples, he was quick to accept his invitation to work with Harwick Homes.

As Business Development Manager, Pedro works closely with clients and interior designers to ensure a seamless building process. This is a part of the job Pedro greatly enjoys, “working for a custom home builder is much different than working for a painting and restoration company in that we are extremely involved in all details of the home building process. I appreciate this part of my job because it allows me to stay involved and help the clients get the perfect home.”

Pedro has his real estate license and his home inspector license, bringing a unique perspective to the Harwick team. He also handles smaller scale projects at Harwick, like small remodels and home repainting.

Born in Peru, Pedro received his college degree in translation and business management. He is fluent in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Italian. In his free time, Pedro enjoys playing tennis, coaching his son in soccer, and spending time with his family at the beach.

Denise Jones

Project Manager

Denise has lived in the Naples area since 1987. A veteran project manager, Denise brings 30 years experience to Harwick Homes where she oversees the construction of custom homes and multiple renovation projects, delivering every project on time and within scope. With her extensive background in business skills and analysis combined with her passion and drive, she ensures goals and objectives are maintained while monitoring schedules, budgets, and resources. Raised in a real estate and construction family in Michigan, Denise relocated to Clearwater, Florida where she began her career as a field superintendent and warranty service work then earned her Florida Contractor’s license and Florida Real Estate Broker’s License.

Denise has dedicated her career to custom homes, multi-family residential developments and commercial projects. Prior to joining Harwick, she worked as a purchasing manger for a luxury homebuilder managing bottom-line purchasing and negotiation activities. Before that she worked as a project manager, contractor and general manager for several local construction companies throughout Southwest Florida.

Outside of work Denise has an active lifestyle spending her time with family and friends enjoying day and road trips to Disney, exercising, and attending Florida Everblades hockey games. She is an avid book club member and treasures time spent walking her three dogs, a Golden Retriever named Nala and brother Papillions called Taz and Tux.

Kathryn Simpson

Special Projects Manager

Kathryn is a second-generation Atlanta construction industry veteran who began her career working in her father’s construction company before moving onto larger construction companies where she became a superintendent and general contractor for private homes. She met her husband in Alaska. Together with their five children, they lived in the Portland, Oregon area before relocating to Naples two years ago. She is a seasoned professional with more than 25 years experience.

As our special project manager, she is responsible for overseeing remodeling construction with an emphasis on delivering exceptional customer service. When not managing a Harwick Homes project, Kathryn spends her time outdoors with her family enjoying sailing in the Gulf of Mexico and kayaking in coastal backwaters. The entire family likes inline speed skating and travels cross-country to participate in several long distance races each year.

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Jack Sterling

Controller

Jack brings over 20 years of accounting experience in the Southwest Florida construction industry to the Harwick Homes team. He not only maintains the financial records, but he is also on-hand to answer any questions clients may have regarding the billings of their projects. Whether a client is interested in day-to-day billings or periodic reports, Jack will work with them to ensure they understand where they are and where they are going on a project. When a task requires extra research and a keen eye for solving problems, that’s when Jack really thrives.

As for his favorite part about working for Harwick, Jack says it’s the people. “Our president, Mark Smith, never loses his cool under pressure. And Nicole Worthington, our office manager, is always smiling and completes any task assigned to her.”

Before coming on board in 2011, he worked in project development, residential and commercial construction, golf courses, restaurants, hotels and manufacturing. His proudest professional moment was working with the Perkins Restaurant Group as they transformed from a small franchise to a franchisor with 122 corporate restaurants and 400 franchises.

Originally from Bloomington, Minnesota, Jack enjoys spending time with his wife, and he is an avid fisherman and traveler. He also loves to take scuba diving adventures.

Graham Wilkinson

Superintendent

Graham has been working with the Harwick Homes since 2011. “I started in high school as a painter, and then during my college summers I was a laborer. The experience prepared me for a smooth transition to full time Superintendent in 2015.” Graham is no stranger to the construction and building industry, as his father, Mark Wilkinson, is also on the Harwick Homes team. Graham grew up on job sites and has been involved in construction throughout his entire life.

Although Graham enjoys every aspect of the building process, he especially likes the excitement of starting a new project and seeing the customers happy with the final result. His organizational skills and attention to detail make everything in-between a breeze—but if he ever encounters an issue, the whole team is there to help. “Everyone works great together and you can go ask anyone on the team for anything. It’s what makes the Harwick team great.”

Born and raised in Naples, Graham went to Barron Collier High School and then went on to graduate from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. During his college years, Graham was the Captain of the WWC men’s soccer team and a two-time USCAA All-Academic award winner. In addition to his sports accomplishments, he was also a recipient of the Kevin Omollo award, which is given to the senior student-athlete with the highest GPA.

Away from the jobsite, Graham continues to stay active, playing soccer, tennis or going for a run—but he also doesn’t mind just relaxing and watching Netflix.

Jeff Kelley

Project Manager

Jeff Kelley began his career in the building industry in 1983 in Indianapolis, Indiana, before relocating to Naples, in 2002. Since then, he spent five years as a project manager with a local custom homebuilder, followed by a decade as the owner and operator of a pool service company in Southwest Florida. Jeff recently returned to the building industry as project manager with Harwick Homes where he is responsible for client walk-throughs, scope of work development, proposals, bids and budgets.

Originally from Ohio, Jeff is a U.S. Navy veteran who worked on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate. He is a member of the American Legion and lifetime supporter of the USO.

When not working he enjoys spending time with his family, working with re-claimed wood, and cycling. Jeff is married with three children and two grandchildren.

Alexandra Brennan

Senior Project Manager

Alexandra “Alex” Brennan plays a key role in the Harwick process. For over 17 years, she’s ensured the building experience runs smoothly by coordinating the permits, reviews, estimates, proposals and client selections for the company. Her experience at every level of the construction process gives her a truly fundamental understanding of the industry.

“Prior to joining Harwick Homes, I began as an entry level employee for a developer. Over the following years, I was involved in the process of purchasing land, working with architects and engineers in the development of various building concepts and bidding out those concepts, permitting several developments, managing the construction process with the selected general contractor(s), working with real estate agents and their clients throughout the purchase, design and closet out phase, and following up with homeowner warranties and association turnovers.”

Alex’s knowledge of the industry and dedicated work were rewarded by one of the proudest moments of her career. “Back when I started, the construction industry was a lot more of a man’s world than it is today. As a woman you had to work twice as hard to be recognized and respected. Having worked my way up from receptionist to developer, I was named Project Manager for a condominium project in Pelican Marsh.”

Originally from Munich, Germany, Alex connects well with clients from the U.S. as well as abroad. Prior to joining the Harwick team, she worked for another developer in Naples for eight years, and for several years held the distinguished title of Licensed Dynamite Blaster.

In her free time, Alex enjoys the beautiful wildlife and fauna of Florida on kayaking and trail riding trips with her friends and family. For a quieter day, she’ll experiment with a new recipe or just relax with a good book. In addition to her work, she gives back to the community and has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.

Mark Wilkinson

Superintendent

Mark contributes strong communication skills and a thorough knowledge of the industry to Harwick Homes. He thrives working with clients and provides great follow through on all questions and concerns, ensuring each project runs smoothly and the customers come home to something special.

Drawing from his decades of coaching experience, Mark emphasizes teamwork and relationships to create beautiful homes. “My coaching experience helps get the team focused and motivated.” He appreciates the unique qualities every employee brings to a project, and he extends his relationships to those outside the team. “I thrive in building interpersonal relationships with clients and sub contractors. Bringing everyone together is how we can successfully put all the pieces together.”

Originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Mark received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration Management from the Warren Wilson College in Asheville. Since 1985, he has worked with custom homebuilders and developers throughout the Southwest Florida area. He joined the Harwick team in 2010.

Outside of work, Mark has volunteered for over 30 years in youth soccer programs throughout Southwest Florida, and was the head coach of the Barron Collier High School boys varsity team for 16 seasons. He enjoys the outdoors, reading, and spending time with his wife of more than 20 years, Leslie, and their two boys, Graham and Hugh.

Jim Nelson

Superintendent

With over 35 years of experience as a Certified General Contractor and in his 20th year with Harwick Homes, Jim’s enthusiasm and outgoing nature make him a favorite among clients. He encourages questions and welcomes every opportunity meet the clients’ specific requests.

For Jim, everything he loves about Harwick comes together by building dream homes for our clients. Even on the most difficult builds, Jim says the Harwick secret is the teamwork. “Remodels pose the many challenges because of time and access constraints. But our team approach makes all of them successful. Everyone is kind, understanding and willing to solve whatever issues come their way.”

Prior to joining Harwick in 1997, Jim spent 14 years working with national builders and developers, nine of them running his own contracting business in Naples with his dad and brother. After moving to Florida in 1971 and going to high school he attended the University of South Florida and the University of Florida, where he enjoyed a broad range of studies in music and construction.

In his free time, Jim likes Cycling and boating. With three daughters, playing father and life coach is always a challenge. His oldest daughter graduated college from U. Florida and is engaged to be married, his middle daughter is in college at FGCU, and the youngest is employed with a family as a child development Nanny.

Preston Brown

Lead Superintendent

Preston brings nearly 30 years of experience in the construction field to Harwick Homes. Since joining the team in 1998, he has spent the majority of his time onsite, where he keeps a watchful eye on every detail of the construction process, ensuring everything is carried out to perfection.

Preston’s desire to create a quality product is complemented by his friendly personality, which makes the experience enjoyable for every client. His attention to detail and friendliness allowed Preston to lead and succeed in creating the masterful Contemporary in Estuary estate. Although he was essential in the completion of this difficult project, he shares all the praise with everyone involved, including Harwick’s President. “I admire Mark Smith for everything he has done to make Harwick successful.”

Preston holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida and is a Certified General Contractor. Before he was a Superintendent at Harwick, Preston spent 12 years as a Superintendent overseeing high-end home construction for a leading development company in Florida.

Although Preston was born in Tampa, Florida, he has lived in a variety of locations, such as: Utah, Portugal, California, and the Netherlands. Preston is the proud father of two sons, Jarrett and Austin, graduated from Auburn University and the University of Florida, respectively. Preston and his wife, Dana, enjoy taking in the Florida lifestyle and can often be found off-shore fishing and stone crabbing.

Shane Klepko

Vice President

As Vice President, Shane focuses on project development for remodels as well as new homes. He meets personally with his clients throughout the entirety of each project to ensure the Harwick standards are always being upheld. Since joining Harwick in 2007, he has taken the remodeling department from a small division to being ranked 51st out of the top 550 remodelers in the country.

Graduating with a degree in Construction Management from Brigham Young University, Shane brings a great deal of organizational experience, high ethical standards and a willingness to please. To enrich his work at Harwick Homes, he is also active in the Collier Builder Industry Association (CBIA), serving as a member of the Board of Directors. Shane is also an active member of Remodelers Advantage, a national organization comprised of the top remodelers from across the U.S. and Canada. He annually attends their Remodelers Advantage Summit, as well as their yearly Roundtables™, where he and other top international remodelers congregate with leading industry consultants to sharpen their skills.

Married and the father of five young children ages 1 to 11, Shane enjoys fishing, playing golf, and riding his road bike. He especially enjoys time with his family at the Naples Zoo and going to the beach. Shane gives back to the community by volunteering for his church and is also involved with the Boy Scouts of America as a Cub master for a local pack.

Mark Smith

President

Mark brings a dynamic combination of skills to Harwick Homes, all of which have been honed by more than two decades in the industry. With a strong eye for perfection and an understanding of clients’ highly individual lifestyles, he works to provide the best possible experience at all times.

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Mark attended the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. Moving to in Naples in 1988, he worked for several years as a framing contractor before joining the Harwick team in 1993 as a Superintendent. There, he quickly worked his way up the ladder into management.

Today, as President of Harwick Homes, Mark continues the hands-on approach that has made him successful. As a Certified Building Contractor, he focuses on attention to detail and works tirelessly to make each client’s specific vision a reality.

Away from the office, Mark enjoys time with his wife, Vicky, and two daughters, Paige and Taylor. He enjoys nature and can often be found fishing or sailing.